Cong urge Prez not to give assent to Karna cattle bill

A delegation of Congress leaders on Monday appealed to President Pratibha Patil not to give her assent to the Karnataka cattle preservation bill, alleging that it will harm the interests of the people.

New Delhi: A delegation of Congress leaders on Monday appealed to President Pratibha Patil not to give her assent to the Karnataka cattle preservation bill, alleging that it will harm the interests of the people.

Led by KPCC President RV Deshpande, the delegation met the President and claimed that the state government has brought the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2010, with a "hidden agenda" to create problems for the people and "harass" the minorities.

"It is an unconstitutional bill. If implemented it could create havoc in the state, harassment to the farmers and to all sections of the society," Deshpande said.

Alleging that the bill was "draconian" in character, he said the President has assured that she will examine the legal issues involved.

Leader of Opposition the Karnataka assembly Siddaramaiah said that the state government has brought the bill though there was already a Central law enacted in 1964.

The bill has been brought with a "hidden" agenda by the BJP government "keeping an eye on the Hindu votes", he said adding that "even if the assent was given by the President, it will not stand in the court of law".

Motamma, Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Council and some other legislators also joined the delegation.

Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappaa had recently met the President seeking assent for the Bill, which was passed by both houses of the state legislature recently despite protests from Congress and JD-S.

The bill imposes a total ban on slaughter of cattle in the BJP-ruled state and prescribes stringent punishment for violation. It also makes the offence cognisable and non-bailable.